The Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme, set to expire at the end of March, provides €800 per month tax-free to households hosting Ukrainian refugees. New figures reveal over €239 million has been paid to over 22,399 recipients.
Over €239 million has been paid to Irish households that have welcomed Ukrainian refugees since the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme began in 2022. The scheme, which is set to expire at the end of March, provides €800 per month tax-free to individuals who offer accommodation to Ukrainians.
New figures released by Children and Disability Minister Norma Foley reveal that the scheme has benefitted over 22,399 recipients, who have hosted approximately 49,840 Ukrainian refugees, known as Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs). Currently, over 15,500 hosts accommodate almost 36,000 BOTPs in over 19,000 accommodations across Ireland.The responsibility for the integration of Ukrainian refugees is transitioning from Foley's Department to Jim O'Callaghan's Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration following the formation of the new Irish government. Sinn Féin, a political party in Ireland, has called for the immediate termination of the ARP scheme after March 31st. Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin's migration spokesperson, argues that the scheme is creating unfairness in the private rented sector. He claims that landlords are able to receive €800 tax-free from the state for hosting refugees, putting them at an advantage compared to other tenants who pay taxable rent.Carthy states that the scheme is causing severe problems and urges the government to announce its plans for the scheme's future in light of its impending expiration. Government sources indicate that the scheme is likely to be extended as there is a need to avoid a sudden disruption in the housing support for Ukrainian refugees. Meanwhile, Justice Minister O'Callaghan emphasizes the necessity for measures to reduce the number of people seeking international protection in Ireland. He states that it is unsustainable to continually provide accommodation and that more deportation orders will be issued this year. The Irish Mirror also reports that discussions are ongoing between various government departments regarding the future of the ARP scheme
Ukrainian Refugees Accommodation Recognition Payment Irish Government Integration Housing Crisis
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